The knock came at 7:00 p.m., right on time. You opened the door to find Rafe standing there, his hair messy, his blue eyes tired but softening when they landed on Cassie in her highchair.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “Sorry I’m late.”

“She just finished eating,” you replied, stepping aside.

Rafe crouched in front of Cassie, his face lighting up. “Hi, princess,” he murmured, and Cassie giggled, reaching for him. He scooped her up with ease, and she squealed in delight.

Leaning against the counter, you crossed your arms. Watching them together was always bittersweet—Cassie was the perfect mix of both of you, but that didn’t erase the distance between you and Rafe.

“She’s getting so big,” he said, smiling at her. “What’s it been, two weeks since I saw her?”

You nodded, trying to keep your tone even. “She misses you, you know. Every time she hears a car, she looks out the window like it’s you.”

His jaw tightened, guilt flashing in his eyes. “I’ll do better,” he said softly.

Cassie smacked his face with her tiny hands, and Rafe laughed, the sound pulling a small smile from you despite yourself.

“You’re doing amazing with her,” he said, meeting your eyes.

“Thanks,” you murmured, looking away before your voice could betray you.

For a moment, it felt like the walls between you weren’t as tall, like things could have been different. But the moment passed as Rafe turned back to Cassie, his focus solely on her.

He was here for her. Not you.

And you had to remind yourself of that.